Worcester Police Department

Worcester, MA, October 3, 2017- On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at approximately 11:50 AM, A Worcester police officer, working out of the Gang Unit was on routine patrol in the Grafton Street area. At this time the officer was stopped on Harrison Street at the intersection of Water Street. While stopped, the officer observed a moped that was also stopped in the middle of Water Street. The operator appeared to be using his cell phone and texting while in the middle of traffic. The officer believed that the male was not paying attention to his surroundings while in the middle of a public way. Eventually the male stopped texting and began to travel forward. The officer positioned his cruiser behind the moped and signaled him to stop.

The officer approached the operator. The operator, stated that he did not have any identification on him and that he did not have a license. The operator could not provide the officer with any documentation that would prove ownership of the moped. The operator was subsequently identified as Edwin Baez, 20-years-old of 163 Millbury Avenue, Millbury. The officer recognized Mr. Baez as a member of a local gang.

The officer checked on Mr. Baez’s license status and it was confirmed that he did not have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle. The officer had called in to have the moped towed. Prior to removal, the officer, per departmental policy, began to conduct an inventory search of the contents within the moped. The officer had difficulty trying to unlock the seat to gain access to the storage area typically located underneath. At this time Mr. Baez assisted the officer in unlocking the seat. Once unlocked the officer lifted the seat and observed some tools and the taped end of what appeared to be the handle of a handgun. Upon seeing the weapon, the officer immediately got between the gun and Mr. Baez and removed the gun. Mr. Baez was immediately handcuffed. A search of Mr. Baez produced a double edged knife in his waistband. A small amount of marijuana was also located in a front pouch fastened to the front of the moped.

The gun was a loaded revolver. Mr. Baez did not possess a license to carry a firearm. The phone, marijuana, knife and gun were seized as evidence. The moped was towed from the scene.

Mr. Baez was charged with Using an Electronic Device while on a Public Way (texting and driving), Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Carrying a Firearm without a License, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card and Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.

Mr. Baez will be arraigned On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Worcester County District Courthouse.